COVID-19

AIRS | EHM | City Steps: COVID-19 Response

February 1, 2021

On January 31, 2022 Baltimore County announced that its mandatory mask mandate would end on February 1, 2022 and that the County's State of Emergency will be lifted on February 7, 2022. However, County employees and the general public will continue to be required to wear masks inside all County offices and facilities.

Despite the lack of a mandate or State of Emergency, we encourage everyone to wear masks in public and to continue social distancing practices.

The full text of the County’s press release is here.

January 1, 2022

Due to the sustained increase of the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19, the AIRS | EHM | City Steps administrative offices will operate virtually indefinitely. All essential employees (RCs, Residential Aides, and Maintenance Staff) are still serving our clients on-site while case management services will return to a fully virtual format.

We are still very much in this pandemic and we must remain vigilant. Please do your part and get vaccinated (all three shots), wear your masks, continue to practice social distancing and wash your hands and sanitize your spaces frequently. The only way will get to the other side of this crisis is if everyone is diligent about maintaining safe and healthy practices.

December 28, 2021

On December 27, 2021 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidance on the isolation procedures and quarantine protocol when exposed to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The new recommendations include self-isolation for at least five days (5) from when your symptoms begin to resolve or if you are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, the CDC recommends a five day quarantine for all vaccinated persons exposed to COVID-19 followed by strict mask use for an additional five days.

For more information , Click through for the full copy of the CDC’s update.

December 27, 2021

Today Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski declared a State of Emergency for the County. Under the authority of this State of Emergency the Baltimore County Health Officer issued a mandatory mask order for anyone five (5) years or older in any public space in the County.

To read the full Executive Order on the State of Emergency, click here.

To read full order on the mask mandate, click here.

November 4, 2021

Yesterday the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that children between the ages of 5-11 with the Pfizer vaccine. Click here for more information regarding the CDC’s recommendation.

October 21, 2021

Today the Center for Disease Control issued a new recommendation for COVID-19 booster shot eligibility in the United States. For individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines anyone in the following groups is eligible to receive a booster shot:

Those 65 years and older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For the full text of the CDC’s recommendation, click through here.

August 6, 2021 Update

On August 3, 2021 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued an order extending the COVID eviction moratorium. This latest extensions applies to counties with heightened levels of infection rates primarily caused by the Delta variant. This new extensions applies directly to Baltimore City.

If you are an AIRS | EHM | City Steps client and have questions about the moratorium or need help getting back on track with your rent, contact your case manager at 410.576.5070 for assistance.

August 5, 2021 Update

On August 5th Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott re-instated a local health ordinance requiring the use of face masks - regardless of vaccination status - while indoors. This follows guidance from the Center for Disease Control and applies to all facilities, venues and offices open to the public in Baltimore City.

Since opening to the public in early July AIRS | EHM | City Steps has continued the requirement of masks in our facilities. As a result, this does not represent a change in policy or practice for our guests. We will continue to monitor federal, state, and local ordinances to make sure we are compliant and to do our part to provide a safe environment for our staff and clients.

July 3, 2021 Update

After a more than a year a shutting our doors due to the COVID 19 pandemic AIRS | EHM | City Steps will open to the public on July 6, 2021. As a reminder, our office hours at the main office located at 1800 N. Charles Street are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and our walk-in hours for EHM are every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

While this is the first time we are welcoming visitors to our buildings and offices since March 2020, we are still observing some COVID protocols.

All visitors are required to wear masks. No exceptions. Masks are available at each site for visitors who do not have one.

Visitors will have to submit to temperature readings. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be denied entry.

Although open to the public, the main entry doors at 1800 will remain locked during business hours. Visitors will have to ring the doorbell and be buzzed in by staff at the front desk.

Clients with mandatory case management will have the option to complete their in-office visits either in person or virtually.

We will continue to adhere to all federal, state and local ordinances and will take every effort to make sure our staff and clients are safe. We encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask in public spaces and to remain diligent as we continue to fight this pandemic.

June 17, 2021 Update

On June 16th Baltimore City announced the end of all of its Orders requiring the use of face masks within the City Limits. Effective July 1, 2021 this follows the State of Maryland’s Order rescinding the State of Emergency issued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these orders, all AIRS | EHM | City Steps remain closed to the public and all staff are required to wear face masks while in the office. We will continue to monitor the data and science regarding COVID-19 and will remain vigilant protecting staff and our vulnerable clients.

June 15, 2021 Update

March 30, 2021 Update

The Baltimore City Health Department has COVID-19 vaccination appointments available for eligible Baltimore City residents. Please share this email and BCHD’s vaccination appointment interest forms with your program’s community partners and network.

All Baltimore City residents 16 – 59 years old can sign up here to record their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Baltimore City older adults (60 years and up) can sign up here or call the Maryland Access Point (MAP) hotline 410-396-CARE (2273) to record their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
People with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) are eligible and can sign up here I/DD Vaccine Interest Form or call the Maryland Access Point (MAP) hotline 410-396-CARE (2273) to record their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Baltimore City residents who sign up will be contacted for an appointment when they are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the Baltimore City Health Department’s website to find additional information at coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov.

March 25, 2021 Update

This week Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott issued an update to his March 12th Order requiring 25% capacity limits in Baltimore City at most establishments. In this most recent Order, most businesses and venues in Baltimore City are now allowed to operate at 50% capacity while maintaining social distance and mask requirements.

Despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Baltimore City, AIRS | EHM | City Steps remains closed to the public and our residential programs will maintain restricted access to visitors and vendors.

Clients who need need assistance managing the nuances of these orders and our response should contact our Emergency Response Case Manager Alison Williams-Leak. Alison can be reached via email at alison@airshome.org or at 410.576.5070 ext.105.

March 19, 2021 Update

It has been a challenging year.

A little more than one year ago we shut down our administrative offices and closed our facilities to public access. Like most companies, this was part of our progressive response to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. However, as an organization that provides essential and property management services we adjusted our operations and continued to meet the increasing needs of our clients.

While most of world shut down, we expanded services to provide more nutritional support for clients and provide PPE to clients and staff. Additionally, we expanded our network of community partners, added more program staff to meet these extra needs and improved our technology infrastructure to expand our virtual platforms so staff and clients could access video conferencing services and digital document signing and sharing.

Through it all we were able to protect clients, staff, and the public from exposure to COVID-19. Although not perfect our positivity rates were low with only 12 known client cases and 9 known staff cases over the past year. As we move forward, we are continuing our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and focusing on educating on clients and staff on vaccination. We successfully implemented a mobile clinic in one residential project with 23 clients and staff and look forward to replicating that effort in other projects.

Finally, I thank you to all of our Board of Directors, funders, and community partners. The only way we were able to "stand in the gap" for our clients over the past year is with your unwavering support.

#wearamask

#gettheshot

March 15, 2021 Update

In response to Governor Hogan's order lifting COVID-19 occupancy restrictions for most businesses in Maryland, Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott issued a subsequent Order requiring 25% capacity limits in Baltimore City at most establishments. As with Governor Hogan's March 9th Order, social distancing and mask requirements remain in effect.

March 10, 2021 Update

Per Governor Hogan's most recent executive order most of the COVID-19 business occupancy limits in the state will be lifted. Effective Friday March 12, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. all retail, religious and personal service establishments, bars and restaurants will be able to operate at 100% capacity. However, the mask covering and social distance requirements in the state remain in effect.

Despite these more relaxed COVID-19 provisions, AIRS | EHM | City Steps remains closed to the public and our residential programs will maintain restricted access to visitors and vendors.

February 23, 2021 Update

Today Governor Hogan issued another Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. In this Order, Maryland now requires the use of face coverings for everyone over the age of fiver (5) in any school setting.

If you are an AIRS |EHM | City Steps client with a minor child in school and you need assistance securing personal protective equipment (PPE), please contact our Emergency Response Case Manager Alison Williams-Leak for assistance. She can be reached via email at alison@airshome.org or at 410.576.5070 ext.105

January 29, 2021 Update

Yesterday Governor Hogan issued another Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. With this Order, citizens are urged to continue to follow guidance from the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health. Additionally, the Order requires the use of masks and face coverings in most public spaces. AIRS | EHM | City steps staff shall wear face coverings while on duty.

The Order also expands the types of businesses that are allowed to re-open in the State and their operational capacity. Despite this expansion, our main administrative office at 1800 N. Charles Street in Baltimore, MD will remain closed to the public. Staff who are working from home will continue to do so and our residential buildings with restricted access will continue be closed to visitors.

December 7, 2020 Update

Please join us in welcoming our new Emergency Response Case Manager Alison Williams-Leak to AIRS | EHM | City Steps. Alison will monitor the agency's overall response to the coronavirus pandemic and by providing direct support to clients and assisting staff with all matters related to COVID-19.

If you need assistance for your household, Alison can be reached via email at alison@airshome.org or at 410.576.5070 ext.105.

November 18, 2020 Update

On November, 17th Governor Hogan issued Executive Order #20-11-17-01 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. The Order requires the use of masks and face coverings in most public spaces expanding the requirements of previous orders. Therefore, all AIRS | EHM | City steps staff are required to wear face coverings while on duty.

The Order also expands the types of businesses that are allowed to re-open in the State and their operational capacity. Despite this expansion, our main office will remain closed to the public. Staff who are working from home will continue to do so and our residential buildings with restricted access will continue be closed to visitors.

We will continue to monitor the data and science regarding COVID-19 and will remain vigilant protecting staff and our vulnerable clients.

August 3, 2020 COVID -19 Update

Today Governor Hogan issued another Executive Order to help reduce the spread of the pandemic in Maryland. In this most recent Order the use of masks and face coverings are expanded in the State requiring their usage in public spaces when social distancing cannot be achieved.

The Order also expands the types of businesses that are allowed to re-open in the State. However, our main office will remain closed to the public, staff who are working from home will continue to do so, and residential buildings with restricted access will continue be closed to visitors. We will continue to monitor the data and science regarding COVID-19 and will remain vigilant protecting staff and our vulnerable clients.

July 22, 2020 COVID -19 Update

As our region and the nation struggles with managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AIRS | EHM | City Steps offices remain closed to the public. Our team continues to provide supportive housing services to our clients remotely and using social distancing, mandatory temperature scans and wearing PPE when in-person work is necessary to perform our duties.

We urge our clients to remain at home to reduce their exposure to the virus. Our residential programs that have restricted access to the public will maintain the current. Despite the significant inconvenience we feel that this course of action is necessary for the health and wellness of our clients and staff.

June 3, 2020 COVID-19 Update

This afternoon Governor Hogan continued his easing of COVID restrictions by announcing the beginning of “Phase 2” and further scaled back his previous Executive Orders regarding the State of Emergency. As of Friday June 5th (this Friday) most non-essential businesses will be allowed to re-open.

As stated before, this "re-opening" of Maryland will not affect the current operations at AIRS | EHM | City Steps. Our main office will remain closed to the public, staff who are working from home will continue to do so, and residential buildings with restricted access will continue to be closed to visitors.

This pandemic is not over.

Hundreds of new cases are routinely reported daily in our state and social distancing practices are not only still recommended, but remain the best way to protect our staff, clients and volunteers.

If you have any questions regarding our position or the status of our operations please let me know.

May 13, 2020 COVID-19 Update

Governor Hogan announced that Maryland will enter Phase 1 of the re-opening of our state and that the the previous "stay at home" order is being scaled back to a "safer at home" order easing the restrictions on businesses and gatherings.

This "re-opening" of Maryland will not affect the current operations at AIRS | EHM | City Steps.

Our main office will remain closed to the public, staff who are working from home will continue to do so, and residential buildings with restricted access will continue be closed to visitors. We will continue to monitor the data and science regarding COVID-19 and will remain vigilant protecting staff and our vulnerable clients.

March 13, 2020 AIRS | EHM | City Steps COVID-19 Statement

AIRS | EHM | City Steps is committed to following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as it relates to health protection. Given the growing concerns in regard to coronavirus (COVID-19), the increased community transmission in Maryland, and the State of Emergency issued by Governor Hogan, we ask that all residents, visitors, staff and volunteers follow the CDC recommendations below:

Stay home when you are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Cough into elbow if you don't have a tissue.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Adopt alternative greetings that do not require touch such as waving while smiling rather than shaking hands (social distancing).
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Use a hand sanitizer, if available.
Have an adequate supply of prescription, medications and nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins. Have a thermometer, tissues, soap, and hand sanitizer.
Have extra non-perishable food items at home.

In an effort to streamline some of the information available regarding COVID-19 and the response to the pandemic we are providing the resource list* below. We’ve also included select downloadable documents as well.

Please bookmark this page and share it with your networks.

General COVID-19 Information & Resources

The following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resources provide additional information:

State of Maryland COVID-19 Case Map Dashboard
Maryland Access Point: Health Services for Seniors
COVID-19 Situation Summary
Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance
COVID-19 Guidance for Mass Gatherings
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Employees and Businesses
Maryland Department of Transportation Coronavirus
Steps for Prevention and Treatment
What to Do If You Are Sick
Pregnant Women and COVID-19 FAQs
Stigma Related to COVID-19
Facts vs Rumors
Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
DOL Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
COVID-19 And Your Pregnancy - What You Need to Know
Maryland COVID-19 Information for Businesses
COVID-19: Essential Services for Encampments During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
COVID-19: Shelter Management During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): COVID-19 Resources
Maryland Citizens for the Arts’ COVID-19 Emergency Services and Resources
FindHelp.org – Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs that help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, searchable by zip code.
Resources for Drug Use and COVID-19 Risk Reduction
CDC Stress and Anxiety Page
COVID-19 Food Handling Guidance for Restaurants, Non-profits, and Food Pantries

Resources For Baltimore City Residents

Baltimore City created a dedicated website for COVID-19 information. It contains general information about the national and local response to the virus and a list of resource for Baltimore citizens.

The Baltimore City Council produced its own COVID-19 resource site for citizens. Use the links below to quickly navigate their site.

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